1920-59-RIS-LW - ERDF Funded - INVITATION TO TENDER FOR a Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization (MALDI) imaging Mass Spectrometer, micro Computerised Tomography (micro CT) scanner and Atomic Force Microscopy-Raman (AFM-Raman) Spectrometer

Sheffield Hallam University has been awarded substantial funding by the European Regional Development Fund to create the Sheffield Testing Imaging and Characterisation Centre. As part of this funding instrumentation for Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption Mass Spectrometry Imaging (MALDI-MSI) (Lot 1), High Resolution Benchtop Micro Computerised Tomography (Lot 2) and Atomic Force Microscopy-Raman (AFM-Raman) Spectroscopy (Lot 3) will be purchased.

The project is receiving funding from the England European Regional Development Fund as part of the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-2020. The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (and in London the intermediate body Greater London Authority) is the Managing Authority for European Regional Development Fund. Established by the European Union, the European Regional Development Fund helps local areas stimulate their economic development by investing in projects which will support innovation, businesses, create jobs and local community regenerations. For more information visit https://www.gov.uk/european-growth-funding

The Northern Powerhouse is a key aspect of this Government's approach to addressing the productivity gap in the North and ensuring a stronger, more sustainable economy for all parts of the UK. Alongside over €1.5 billion of European Regional Development Fund support for businesses and communities across the North, the government has awarded £3.4 billion in three rounds of Growth Deals across the Northern Powerhouse.

The likely use of the MALDI Mass Spectrometer will be in the analysis of molecules in a range of biological and chemical samples. Industry sectors that this will impact will be: Chemical manufacturers, pharmaceutical companies, forensic testing, agricultural product manufacturers and food & beverage companies. The benefits / likely outcomes are efficacy and safety testing of existing or new products (validated research materials for marketing purposes, compliance with product regulations). Also, identification of mode of action of products (novel used of existing products).

The likely use of the Integrated AFM-Raman Imaging System will be in biotech, pharmaceuticals, high precision engineering, NHS, and Private healthcare centres and SMEs developing new products.

The likely use of the MicroCT (Computerised Tomography) Scanner will be in private healthcare centres and SMEs developing bone implants for downstream analysis. Companies undertaking R&D in biomaterials and bone material science applications in geology and environmental analysis. The benefits / likely outcomes are development of new materials for bone formation and regeneration. Non-destructive analysis of implants and testing of novel drugs.